TSA staff who spoke with the Times Union Friday afternoon appeared resigned to the fact they're not currently being paid, thanks to the federal government shutdown.

They asked not to be identified because they weren't authorized to speak with a reporter. But one staff member said she'd seen the shutdown coming and had completed her Christmas shopping early.

"With any job, you have to plan ahead," said another member, who said that, so far, "I'm doing okay."

TSA staff are among tens of thousands of federal employees considered essential as the federal government shutdown moves into its second week. They're expected to work, but not to expect a paycheck, at least not right away.

"The workforce is performing a very, very critical mission under very difficult circumstances," said Bart Johnson, the federal security director for Albany International Airport and other upstate airports. "The workforce is so professional. They know what their mission is.

One TSA staff member at the Albany airport said this was the fourth shutdown she's endured in her decade as a TSA officer.

Staff will receive a paycheck on Jan. 3 for the period before the shutdown began, Johnson said. After that, it's unclear when they will be paid again.

In the meantime, heating bills will be rolling in, and car payments, credit card bills and other obligations will also come due. A prolonged shutdown could damage credit ratings and make it difficult to get mortgages, car loans or other financing.

And because the officers are on the job at airport checkpoints, holiday travelers were able to get to their destinations. Security lines were short at Albany during the late-morning hours on Friday, and more than a dozen TSA agents were staffing X-ray machines, checking identification and tickets, and conducting additional security checks.

TSA officers typically earn $40,000 a year for workdays that can begin as early as 3:30 a.m. and last until after midnight.

The 42,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard also continue to be on duty without getting paid, as will air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration, according to news reports.

On Friday, flights at Albany International Airport continued to operate and passengers were moving smoothly through the security checkpoint, the shutdown's impact almost invisible to travelers.

"The TSA staff members at Albany International Airport continue to exhibit a total commitment to the safety and security of our passengers," said airport spokesman Doug Myers. "It is most disappointing that the shutdown of our government is forcing these valued employees to endure fiscal instability while still serving our country."

But one TSA staff member's patience was beginning to wear thin.

"I just wish that the government would stop fighting each other and come to an agreement," she said.